August 22, 2011

It's been nearly two years since I started my blog and I thought it would be appropriate to bake a little treat to mark the occasion. Admittedly, I've spent more time in the kitchen during the past two years than probably ever before, and although it's been a bit of a game of hits and misses, I've enjoyed the most of it.

When I first started this blog, back in August 2009, I was writing in Finnish and I never thought I'd have any other readers than perhaps my own parents. As I started to mingle more with the other Sydney food bloggers, I realised that it would probably make more sense if I wrote in English, and I then changed the name of the blog to 'Scandi Foodie' (denoting my Finnish-Swedish heritage and in purpose of promoting Scandinavian food and culture).

I've felt proud to give a glimpse to the Scandinavian culture through my recipes and posts, and I hope I've been able to inspire and educate people on the way. These spiced sweet potato brownies are to all of you who've been so kind and supportive - I thank you so much!

**ground bitter orange (pomeranssi, Citrus aurantium) is a common spice used in Scandinavian cooking. If you can't find this, replace with ground orange or mandarin peel, or try ground ginger for a slightly sharper taste.

1. Preheat oven to 180C and grease a square 18cm baking dish.

2. Place the coconut oil and roughly chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave until just melted (do not let it boil!), but smooth. Alternatively, melt them in a saucepan on the stove. Set aside.

3. Beat the sweet potato and sugar in a separate bowl. Add the coconut and chocolate mixture, eggs and vanilla and beat until thick.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and spices. Add this mixture into the wet ingredients, then fold everything together until smooth. Lastly fold in the macadamias.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until firm to touch. Leave to cool on wire rack before cutting into squares.

Congratulations on your blog anniversary. I am so pleased to have stumbled across your blog - it's a real inspiration to read your posts. I am definitely adding this recipe to my hoard of vegetable cakes.

Congratulations, it is amazing how the blog world takes over and you 'meet' so many people!This dish must have been made for me, I love sweet potato and I love chocolate what more could I wish for..... :-) Diane

Hi Maria, happy 2nd birthday to your blog. I love how you showcase your background through food and it's a pleasure looking at your beautiful photos, not to mention many inspiring recipes. Here's to another year!Martyna

Congrats on two years blogging! I really enjoy coming to your site and visiting with you on twitter. It makes this big world seem a bit smaller and more friendly. Thanks for sharing your ideas and recipes- so inspiring!

Congrats girl on 2 years! Wow, you have had some amazing things on here - not sure if I remember any of the misses you are referring to but I certainly know all the hits! :) These brownies look divine and the perfect way to celebrate!

Congrats on two years! Learning about other cultures and food traditions from other countries is probably what I like best about reading other food blogs and why I enjoy yours so much :) Such pretty brownies! I love the macadamia nuts :)

Congratulations on two years of blogging. I remember first reading your blog in its early inception - changing its name to Scandi Foodie made it much easier to remember :) Looking forward to reading many more posts!

We were so on the same brain wave this week with the brownies, and with a touch of sweet potato... mmm. brownies are a great way to celebrate your 2 year anniversary. You have the loveliest blog, Maria, full of quality, delicious recipes that I always find myself turning to in a bind. Congratulations and cheers to the adventure!

Maria, I am so happy you did start blogging and I am not at all surprised by the transformation of your followings. You write so well and your posts are thoughtful, inspiring, stunningly visualized and always wonderfully unique and genuine. It is a delight to come here and to see you represent the best of our part of the world makes me very proud.

Big hugs, happy bloggiversary and best of luck for many years to come!

Congratulations!These brownies look delicious and I must try them; I am intrigued by this bitter orange spice you refer to ; as we use bitter oranges a lot in Lebanese cooking (its juice, peel and blossoms) I would love to get a hold of that spice. Any idea where I could find it?